X stands for the unexpected. And the endless possibilities that come with the production of electronic music. The channel for André & Mirko is their live act: A channel for their individuality, their creativity and their relentless devotion to music. Together they form Channel X.

It was in 2005 when André and Mirko were first introduced to each other through mutual friends. Very soon after that they decided to make music together. It was then that they formed Channel X. However, their musical history goes further back.

As André Quasar, André has been a regular DJ since 1996, playing clubs like the Casino, with his mixture of deep house and minimal techno. First and foremost a DJ, he only started to produce in 2003. Contrary to that, Mirko has been experimenting with the production of electronic music since 1996. In his heart he is a producer, a precise technician redefining his set of possibilities with every technical advancement while staying respectful to his musical roots that range from Hip-Hop, Jazz and Electronica to deeper and harder techno sounds like Alexander Kowalski. “I saw Alexander Kowalski play live at the Tresor once. That was a magic moment. It was then, when I decided that I wanted to play live”, Mirko explains.

Their different approaches to the planet of techno are a genuine source of inspiration for both of them. “We both inspire each other in different areas”, the duo explains. Mirko has started to DJ through André and André has focussed more on his production skills again thanks to Mirko’s motivation. But differences apart, it is what brings them together that is far more important: producing bouncy music that fluctuates between their different influences, from Mirko’s sound-orientated deep and loungy aspect to André’s housy and more minimal approach. This unique combination that results in a powerful mixture of clicks, effects and pumping grooves is at the heart of the boys’ energy-laden live sets. Equipped with a machine park consisting of two laptops, a sampler, midi controllers and effects units, Channel X have been seen rocking clubs around Germany, showing off their great ability of perfect technical know-how, stage wisdom and adapting to the mood of the crowd. This is not just another one-man laptop show! Far more than that, Andre & Mirko only play their own productions rearranging and editing them on the go and thus broadening their portfolio whilst in the DJ booth. “When you DJ, you know how people will react to certain tracks. But when we play live, almost nobody knows our tracks. So we work even harder on organizing our live act in such a way that you cannot stand still. You have to move!”, André describes it. “When we first saw people going crazy to our own music, it was a massive rush and it became an addiction. There is no stopping us now!”, Mirko adds to the description.

After many live shows around Berlin, 2007 saw the release of their first EP on Berlin-based minimal label Kassette records. Hailed by ravers and charted by DJs like Pan-Pot, Jeremy P. Caulfield or Afrilounge, it was the busy Oliver Koletzki, – amazed by Channel X’s energy and skills – who signed them for a release on his ever-growing label Stil vor Talent. The “Bug in Coffee EP” was a massive success for both label and Channel X, receiving great press and getting in the charts of big names like Laurent Garnier, Jesse Rose, Karotte or Jamie Jones.

In 2008, there will be more releases for Kassette and Stil vor Talent plus a remix for Sweet’n’Candy’s latest single on Opposum records. However, the two boys mainly want to work on their live act. And what better way to do that, than to present it to as many people as possible. “Mostly, we want to rock many parties in 2008. That’s our main plan for this year”. Well, make sure you don’t miss out on that.
 

Upcoming Releases:

• August 08: Channel X - burning train e.p. Upon you rec. No. 15
• Sep. 08: Channel X - sleeping dogs (3 Jahre stil vor Talent Compilation) Cd, Vinyl, Digital
• Sep. 08: Sweet´n Candy - behind the scenes ( Channel X chicken on toast remix)
• Nov. 08 Channel X - pelvic thrust e.p. Supdub rec.
• Dez. 08 Channel X - this Mia wallace e.p. Kassette Rec.

Out Now:

• 2008 - Blatta & Inesha - blow up (Channel X remix) Mantra Vibes Rec. Italy

Past Releses:

• 2007- Bug In The Coffee EP. Still Vor Talent
• 2007-Freaky Pilot (12"). Kassette Records